Luke 1:24

KJV

And after those days his wife Elisabeth conceived, and hid herself five months, saying,

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} after {G3326} those {G5025} days {G2250} his {G846} wife {G1135} Elisabeth {G1665} conceived {G4815}, and {G2532} hid {G4032} herself {G1438} five {G4002} months {G3376}, saying {G3004},

Complete Jewish Bible

Following this, Elisheva his wife conceived, and she remained five months in seclusion, saying,

Berean Standard Bible

After these days, his wife Elizabeth became pregnant and for five months remained in seclusion. She declared,

American Standard Version

And after these days Elisabeth his wife conceived; and she hid herself five months, saying,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 1:24 marks the miraculous fulfillment of God's promise to Zechariah, as his elderly and previously barren wife, Elisabeth, conceives a son, John the Baptist. Following Zechariah's return from his priestly service, Elisabeth enters a period of private seclusion for five months, a time of profound personal thanksgiving and perhaps humble acknowledgment of the divine favor bestowed upon her, before the news of her extraordinary pregnancy becomes widely known. This event serves as a foundational step in God's unfolding redemptive plan, preparing the way for the advent of the Messiah.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the dramatic encounter between Zechariah and the angel Gabriel in the Temple, as recounted in [Luke 1:5-23](/luke/1-5-23 "Luke 1:5-23 - The Annunciation to Zechariah"). Gabriel announced that Zechariah's barren wife, Elisabeth, would bear a son, John, who would "make ready for the Lord a people prepared" ([Luke 1:17](/luke/1-17 "Luke 1:17 - John's Prophetic Role")). Zechariah's disbelief led to him being struck mute until the day of John's birth. "After those days" refers to the completion of Zechariah's priestly service in Jerusalem and his subsequent return home to the hill country of Judea. The conception of Elisabeth validates Gabriel's pronouncement and sets the stage for the subsequent annunciation to Mary, highlighting God's meticulous and supernatural orchestration of events leading to the birth of Jesus.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, barrenness was often considered a social disgrace and a sign of divine disfavor, causing deep personal anguish for women like Elisabeth ([Luke 1:25](/luke/1-25 "Luke 1:25 - Elisabeth's Joy")). The conception of a child in old age, especially after years of barrenness, was thus a profound testament to God's miraculous intervention, echoing similar accounts in the Old Testament. Zechariah's priestly service, undertaken in the Temple, was a sacred duty, and his return home signifies the resumption of normal life, albeit one now profoundly altered by divine revelation. Elisabeth's decision to "hid herself" for five months might reflect a cultural practice of modesty, a desire to protect the miraculous nature of her pregnancy from public scrutiny or gossip, or simply a period of private reflection and gratitude before the news became widely known.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 1:24 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Intervention and Promise Fulfilled**, demonstrating God's power to overcome natural limitations and fulfill His word, a concept central to the entire narrative of salvation history. Elisabeth's miraculous conception, like Sarah's in [Genesis 21:1-2](/genesis/21-1-2 "Genesis 21:1-2 - Sarah Bears Isaac") or Hannah's in [1 Samuel 1:19-20](/1_samuel/1-19-20 "1 Samuel 1:19-20 - Hannah Conceives Samuel"), highlights God's faithfulness. Secondly, it emphasizes **Humility and Private Rejoicing**, as Elisabeth chooses a period of seclusion, perhaps to savor the sacredness of the moment before public declaration. This contrasts with the immediate public pronouncements often seen in other contexts. Finally, this event is integral to the theme of **Preparation for a New Era**, as John's conception is the initial step in God's plan to prepare the way for the Messiah, fulfilling ancient prophecies and bridging the gap between the Old and New Covenants.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Elisabeth (Greek, _Elisábet'_):** This name, of Hebrew origin (from אֱלִישֶׁבַע, Elisheva), means "my God is an oath" or "God of oath." Her name itself subtly points to the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promises, particularly relevant given her advanced age and previous barrenness. The very name of the mother of John the Baptist signifies the covenant-keeping nature of God, who is true to His word.
* **conceived (Greek, _syllambánō'_):** This verb literally means "to clasp" or "to seize," but in this context, it specifically denotes "to conceive" (literally or figuratively). Its use here highlights the act of conception as a direct, divinely orchestrated event, emphasizing that Elisabeth's pregnancy was not a natural occurrence but a miraculous intervention by God, enabling her to "take hold" of this promised life within her.
* **hid (Greek, _perikrýptō'_):** Derived from _peri_ (around) and _kryptō_ (to hide), this word means "to conceal all around" or "entirely." It suggests a deliberate and thorough act of withdrawal from public view, not merely staying home but purposefully keeping herself hidden. This intentional seclusion underscores Elisabeth's desire for privacy, perhaps for humble gratitude, reflection, or to protect the sanctity of this miraculous event from premature scrutiny or disbelief.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And after those days his wife Elisabeth conceived,"**: This clause marks the immediate fulfillment of Gabriel's prophecy to Zechariah. "After those days" refers to the period following Zechariah's completion of his priestly duties in the Temple and his return home to the hill country of Judea. The conception of Elisabeth, an elderly and previously barren woman, is presented as a direct, miraculous act of God, validating the divine promise and demonstrating His power to intervene supernaturally in human affairs.
* **"and hid herself five months,"**: This segment describes Elisabeth's deliberate action following her conception. The Greek term _periekryben_ implies a thorough and intentional concealment from public view. Her five-month seclusion suggests a period of private thanksgiving, humble reflection, and perhaps a desire to protect the sacred nature of her miraculous pregnancy before it became widely known. It also sets a temporal marker, preceding Mary's visit in the sixth month.
* **"saying,"**: This final word introduces Elisabeth's subsequent declaration of praise and gratitude, which is recorded in the following verse ([Luke 1:25](/luke/1-25 "Luke 1:25 - Elisabeth's Praise")). It indicates that her period of hiddenness was not one of shame or fear, but rather a profound internal processing of God's grace, culminating in an articulate expression of her joy and understanding of the divine significance of her pregnancy.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 1:24 employs several literary devices to enhance its theological impact. **Divine Irony** is evident in the conception of John: the child who will announce the coming of the Messiah is himself conceived miraculously, born to an old, barren couple, mirroring the extraordinary nature of the Messiah's own birth. This unexpected turn of events highlights God's power to work outside human expectations and natural limitations. The verse also serves as **Foreshadowing**, as John's miraculous conception and birth prefigure the even more astounding virgin conception of Jesus, establishing a pattern of divine intervention in the Lukan narrative. Elisabeth's act of "hiding herself" can be seen as **Symbolism** for a period of sacred incubation and humble preparation. It symbolizes the quiet, often unseen, work of God in bringing about His redemptive plan, where significant events are nurtured in privacy before their public revelation. This period of seclusion also emphasizes the personal, intimate nature of God's blessing before it becomes a public testimony.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 1:24 stands as a profound testament to God's sovereignty and faithfulness, demonstrating His ability to fulfill promises against all human odds. Elisabeth's miraculous conception, after years of barrenness and advanced age, powerfully illustrates that God's plans are not constrained by natural limitations or human expectations. This event is a critical link in the unfolding of salvation history, serving as a divine sign that the long-awaited time of the Messiah's arrival is at hand. The Lord's intervention in Elisabeth's life underscores a recurring biblical theme: God often chooses the weak, the old, or the seemingly impossible circumstances to display His power and glory, ensuring that the credit for His mighty works belongs to Him alone. This miracle is not merely a personal blessing for Zechariah and Elisabeth but a foundational step in preparing the way for the Lord Jesus Christ, validating the divine origin of John's prophetic mission.

* [Genesis 18:11-14](/genesis/18-11-14 "Genesis 18:11-14 - Sarah's Laughter and God's Promise")
* [1 Samuel 1:19-20](/1_samuel/1-19-20 "1 Samuel 1:19-20 - Hannah Conceives Samuel")
* [Romans 4:18-21](/romans/4-18-21 "Romans 4:18-21 - Abraham's Faith in God's Promise")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 1:24 offers profound encouragement for those who face seemingly impossible situations or long-deferred hopes. Elisabeth's story reminds us that God's timing is perfect, and His power transcends all human limitations, including age, barrenness, or any other obstacle that might seem insurmountable. This verse invites us to cultivate a posture of patient waiting and unwavering trust in God's promises, even when circumstances suggest otherwise. Furthermore, Elisabeth's decision to "hid herself" for five months provides a beautiful model for how we might respond to profound blessings or significant divine interventions in our own lives. It encourages a period of humble, private reflection and thanksgiving, allowing us to deeply internalize and appreciate God's work before sharing it with the world. In a culture that often rushes to publicize every event, Elisabeth's quiet contemplation reminds us of the value of savoring sacred moments with God, allowing His blessings to fully take root in our hearts. Ultimately, this passage calls us to recognize God's meticulous planning in our lives, understanding that even seemingly small or hidden events are part of His grand, redemptive narrative.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "impossible" situations in your life are you currently waiting for God to intervene in, and how does Elisabeth's story encourage your faith?**
* **In what ways might you benefit from a period of "hiding yourself" to privately process and give thanks for God's blessings, rather than immediately sharing them publicly?**
* **How does Elisabeth's humility in receiving this gift challenge your own responses to divine favor or answered prayers?**

### FAQ
**Why did Elisabeth hide herself for five months?**

Answer: The text does not explicitly state Elisabeth's reasons, but scholars suggest several possibilities. It could have been a period of humble thanksgiving and private rejoicing, allowing her to savor the miraculous nature of her pregnancy before it became public knowledge. Given the social stigma of barrenness in her culture, she might have initially wanted to avoid public scrutiny or gossip, preferring to wait until her pregnancy was undeniable. Her statement in [Luke 1:25](/luke/1-25 "Luke 1:25 - Elisabeth's Praise") indicates a profound sense of gratitude and vindication, suggesting her seclusion was a time of deep personal reflection on God's goodness in removing her "reproach among men." This period of hiddenness also sets the stage for Mary's visit in the sixth month ([Luke 1:39-45](/luke/1-39-45 "Luke 1:39-45 - Mary Visits Elisabeth")), allowing for a divinely orchestrated encounter between the mothers of the Forerunner and the Messiah.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 1:24, while detailing the miraculous conception of John the Baptist, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in preparing the way for Jesus Christ, the promised Messiah. John's miraculous birth to an elderly, barren couple serves as a powerful precursor to the even greater miracle of Jesus's virgin birth, demonstrating God's sovereign power to initiate His redemptive plan outside of natural human means. Elisabeth's conception underscores the theme that God works through the impossible to bring forth His purposes, a truth supremely embodied in the incarnation of Christ, where God becomes man ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). John, conceived by divine intervention, was destined to be the "voice of one crying in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way of the Lord!’" ([Isaiah 40:3](/isaiah/40-3 "Isaiah 40:3 - Prepare the Way of the Lord")), fulfilling ancient prophecies and bridging the Old Covenant with the New. Thus, Elisabeth's hidden pregnancy is not merely a personal blessing but a foundational step in God's meticulous plan to introduce the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), making the path straight for the coming King and ushering in the era of grace and truth through Jesus Christ ([John 1:17](/john/1-17 "John 1:17 - Grace and Truth Through Jesus Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.